“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men…and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)
Paul’s warning to the Colossians about being misled by false traditions rings true today as it did in the first century. In that era, the church combated the spread of heresies that threatened to distort the true gospel. Figures like Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Clement of Alexandria recognized the danger posed by these ‘fierce wolves’ (Acts 20:29) and wrote extensively to refute their unbiblical ideas. Their writings and teachings serve as a valuable resource for us today as we face a new generation of heresies, this time in the digital realm.
In the 21st century, a new generation of ‘fierce wolves’ has appeared, leveraging technology to spread heretical philosophies and ’empty deception’ to millions. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have become breeding grounds where self-appointed ‘apostles,’ ‘prophets,’ and purveyors of ‘truth’ peddle toxic ideologies. These influencers are like the ‘clickbait’ of the religious world, using catchy titles and thumbnails to lure in unsuspecting believers.
Like early heretics, many digital influencers claim exclusive enlightenment and revelations transcending Scripture. Their toxic teachings have given rise to a new genre – digital folk religion sewn from threads of mystical thought, prosperity gospel, and twisted Scripture assembled into videos designed to go viral.
The impact of this digital folk heresy stems from the medium used to spread it. YouTube creators can effortlessly reach global audiences, and fringe ideas can now infect countless viewers worldwide at a click.
This digital reach is a powerful tool for those seeking to “deceive the nations” (Rev 20:3), like early heretical sects sought to seduce from the true faith. Irenaeus noted how heretics cloaked false ideas in an “attractive dress.” Today’s influencers shape unorthodox teachings into compelling, algorithm-optimized video content.
Many employ the cult of prosperity – lavish lifestyles, designer clothes, expensive cars, and promises of wealth and influence. This materialism lures the unsuspecting down heretical rabbit holes. Their teachings repackage “secret” Bible truths, appealing to the human desire for exclusive knowledge.
Other influencers masquerade as Christian while subtly eroding doctrines on issues like biblical authority, the Trinity, or Christ’s divinity – not unlike early heresies. Others peddle conspiracy theories, End Times fearmongering, or occult ideas as “revelation” to monopolize truth.
The production, psychological tactics, and social media marketing make their teachings deceptive and captivating to an entertainment-obsessed digital culture.
Tragically, their impact in sowing confusion, disunity, and false doctrine is immense. I’ve seen countless individuals, even those who were once strong in their faith, have their faith shipwrecked after being enthralled by compelling personalities and unbiblical ideas – mirroring the herterodoxical chaos of the early Christian centuries. This is a stark reminder of digital heresies’ real and immediate threat to the faith.
In facing this rising tide of falsehood, what can anchor believers in digital currents seeking to capsize truth? The answer can be found in the history of the early church:
1) Scripture’s permanence and sufficiency
From Gnosticism to Arianism, a critical error was a faulty view of Scripture, which saw it as requiring supplementation with other revelations and writings. Orthodox teachers like Irenaeus and Athanasius upheld a comprehensive biblical theology as the unbending standard of truth.
“We have learned…the plan of our salvation…from those through whom the gospel has come down to us, which…by God’s will, [they] handed down to us in the Scriptures, to be the ground and pillar of our faith.” (Irenaeus of Lyons)
Likewise, today, Scripture must remain the immovable foundation for evaluating any teacher or revelation. If an influencer contradicts God’s clear Word – on the gospel, God’s character, or any area – they will be rejected, no matter their influence. The Word of God and the Spirit of God illumine the people of God to expose deception.
2) Apostolic tradition and church authority
Another defense in the early church was the concept of apostolic tradition and ecclesiastical authority. Tertullian pointed out that ancient churches, unlike schismatic, heretical groups, could trace their lineage to the apostles’ doctrine.
“Let them produce the records of their churches…let them unfold the roll of bishops…in such a manner that bishop shall show for ordainer some apostle or apostolic man.”(Tertullian)
In the 21st century, as influencers seek to redefine truth, the antidote remains rooted in a faithful church overseen by biblically qualified leaders. Being part of a true local church with doctrine-upholding pastors/elders provides accountability and discernment. This means that believers should not try to combat digital heresies alone but should seek the support and guidance of their local church community.
3) Creeds and core doctrines
To counter doctrinal confusion, the early church developed statements of belief like the Nicene Creed summarizing orthodox teachings on the Trinity and incarnation. These systematic theologies allowed the biblical faith to be clearly defined.
In the digital age, believers must uphold core historical Christian doctrines—on God’s triune nature, Christ’s full deity and humanity, Scripture’s authority, salvation’s means, and more. Lacking a firm grasp of these foundational truths leaves one susceptible to errant teaching.
4) Biblical discernment and separation
The early fathers emphasized rigorous biblical discernment and separation from those promoting false doctrine. They bluntly named heretical teachers and warned believers to avoid their influence.
“Warn a divisive person once, and then a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.” (Titus 3:10)
Discernment must be coupled with decisive separation from influencers and their ideological ecosystems. This means that if an influencer is found to be promoting false teachings, it’s important to unfollow, unsubscribe, or otherwise disengage from their content. Every errant teaching rapidly metastasizes into graver delusions. The antidote is severing from those disseminating heresy from any platform or monetization, no longer allowing their ideas to spread. This is a practical step that believers can take to protect themselves and others from digital heresies.
Guarding the Truth Once Delivered
The modern struggle against this digital heresy parallels the early church’s challenges against errant religious ideas. Both saw assaults on core doctrines using persuasive tactics, popular rhetoric, and communication mediums to mislead.
But in both eras, the truth remains unshakable. “For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 1:16)
By anchoring to the sufficiency of Scripture, ecclesiastical authority, core doctrines, and discerning separation from false teachers, believers can actively guard the truth in an age of digital deceptions. While the challenge is formidable, the enemy’s latest scheme faces the same decisive opposition as previous heresies, and it is our collective responsibility to stand against it.
Truth will conquer lies. Though influencers and platforms may shift, “the word of the Lord remains forever” (1 Peter 1:25). The unchanging gospel has withstood false teaching, mythology, and fables. It will also overcome today’s digitally repackaged folk heresies. This is a reminder that, no matter how prevalent or persuasive these ideas may seem, the truth of the gospel is unshakable and will ultimately prevail.
Josh Cehulik 